15 MCQ on Differential Association Theory

Below are 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on Differential Association Theory, each with four options, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation. Differential Association Theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned through social interactions, particularly within intimate groups, and is influenced by the frequency, duration, priority, and intensity of those associations.

1. Who developed the Differential Association Theory?

A) Cesare Lombroso
B) Edwin Sutherland
C) Robert Merton
D) Travis Hirschi

Correct Answer: B) Edwin Sutherland
Explanation: Edwin Sutherland introduced Differential Association Theory in his 1939 book Principles of Criminology. The theory explains how individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others, emphasizing social learning over biological or psychological factors. Cesare Lombroso focused on biological determinism, Robert Merton developed strain theory, and Travis Hirschi is known for social control theory.

2. What is the core premise of Differential Association Theory?

A) Crime is caused by biological traits.
B) Criminal behavior is learned through social interactions.
C) Crime results from economic inequality.
D) Criminal behavior is due to psychological disorders.

Correct Answer: B) Criminal behavior is learned through social interactions.
Explanation: The theory asserts that criminal behavior is not innate but learned through communication and interaction, particularly in close personal groups. It emphasizes learning definitions (attitudes, rationalizations) favorable or unfavorable to law-breaking, distinguishing it from biological, economic, or psychological explanations.

3. According to Differential Association Theory, what is meant by “definitions”?

A) Legal codes and statutes
B) Attitudes or meanings individuals attach to behaviors
C) Genetic predispositions to crime
D) Economic conditions influencing crime

Correct Answer: B) Attitudes or meanings individuals attach to behaviors
Explanation: Definitions refer to an individual’s attitudes, beliefs, or rationalizations about whether certain behaviors (e.g., breaking the law) are acceptable. Favorable definitions toward crime increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, while unfavorable definitions discourage it.

4. Which of the following is NOT one of the nine propositions of Differential Association Theory?

A) Criminal behavior is learned.
B) Criminal behavior is inherited genetically.
C) Learning occurs in intimate personal groups.
D) Learning includes techniques and motives for crime.

Correct Answer: B) Criminal behavior is inherited genetically.
Explanation: Sutherland’s theory explicitly rejects biological or genetic explanations for crime, focusing instead on social learning. The nine propositions outline that criminal behavior is learned through interactions, particularly in intimate groups, and includes learning techniques, motives, and attitudes favorable to crime.

5. Which factor influences the likelihood of adopting criminal behavior according to Differential Association Theory?

A) Frequency of associations
B) Duration of associations
C) Intensity of associations
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Sutherland’s theory emphasizes four factors: frequency (how often one interacts with others), duration (length of exposure), priority (early or influential associations), and intensity (strength or significance of relationships). These determine the impact of learned definitions on behavior.

6. In Differential Association Theory, what does “priority” refer to?

A) The strength of the relationship
B) The timing or age at which associations occur
C) The number of criminal contacts
D) The emotional intensity of interactions

Correct Answer: B) The timing or age at which associations occur
Explanation: Priority refers to the timing of associations, suggesting that interactions occurring earlier in life (e.g., during childhood or adolescence) have a greater influence on shaping attitudes and behaviors than those occurring later.

7. According to Differential Association Theory, how is the learning of criminal behavior similar to other types of learning?

A) It requires formal education.
B) It occurs through a process of communication.
C) It is driven by biological instincts.
D) It is independent of social interactions.

Correct Answer: B) It occurs through a process of communication.
Explanation: Sutherland argued that criminal behavior is learned in the same way as any other behavior—through communication, including verbal and nonverbal interactions, in social settings. This distinguishes the theory from biological or instinct-based explanations.

8. Which group is most likely to influence an individual’s criminal behavior according to Differential Association Theory?

A) Casual acquaintances
B) Intimate personal groups
C) Media and entertainment
D) Strangers

Correct Answer: B) Intimate personal groups
Explanation: The theory emphasizes that learning occurs primarily in intimate personal groups, such as family, close friends, or peer groups, where individuals are exposed to definitions favorable or unfavorable to crime through close, trusted relationships.

9. What role does the “intensity” of associations play in Differential Association Theory?

A) It determines the length of exposure to criminal behavior.
B) It reflects the prestige or emotional significance of the source.
C) It measures the number of criminal acts observed.
D) It refers to the age of the individual learning the behavior.

Correct Answer: B) It reflects the prestige or emotional significance of the source.
Explanation: Intensity refers to the emotional importance or prestige of the individuals or groups teaching the behavior. Associations with highly respected or influential figures (e.g., admired peers or family members) have a stronger impact on learning criminal behavior.

10. According to Differential Association Theory, what happens when definitions favorable to law violation outweigh those unfavorable?

A) The individual avoids criminal behavior.
B) The individual is more likely to engage in criminal behavior.
C) The individual becomes indifferent to crime.
D) The individual seeks professional help.

Correct Answer: B) The individual is more likely to engage in criminal behavior.
Explanation: Sutherland’s theory posits that when an individual is exposed to more definitions (attitudes, rationalizations) favoring law violation than those opposing it, they are more likely to adopt and engage in criminal behavior.

11. Which of the following is an example of a “definition favorable to crime”?

A) Believing that stealing is always wrong
B) Rationalizing that stealing is acceptable to help family
C) Thinking that laws are fair and should be followed
D) Viewing crime as harmful to society

Correct Answer: B) Rationalizing that stealing is acceptable to help family
Explanation: A definition favorable to crime is an attitude or belief that justifies or excuses criminal behavior, such as rationalizing stealing as acceptable under certain circumstances (e.g., to provide for family). Options A, C, and D reflect definitions unfavorable to crime.

12. Differential Association Theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through:

A) Observing media portrayals of crime
B) Genetic predisposition
C) Interaction and communication with others
D) Individual psychological traits

Correct Answer: C) Interaction and communication with others
Explanation: The theory emphasizes that criminal behavior is learned through direct social interactions and communication, particularly in intimate groups, rather than through media, genetics, or individual traits.

13. Which of the following best illustrates Differential Association Theory in action?

A) A teenager inherits criminal tendencies from their parents.
B) A young adult learns to pickpocket from close friends in a gang.
C) An individual commits a crime due to poverty.
D) A person becomes a criminal after watching crime shows.

Correct Answer: B) A young adult learns to pickpocket from close friends in a gang.
Explanation: This scenario reflects the theory’s focus on learning criminal behavior (techniques and attitudes) through interactions in intimate groups, such as a gang. The other options involve genetics, economic factors, or media, which are not central to the theory.

14. How does Differential Association Theory explain why some individuals in high-crime areas do not become criminals?

A) They lack the genetic predisposition for crime.
B) They are exposed to more definitions unfavorable to crime.
C) They have no access to criminal opportunities.
D) They are immune to social influences.

Correct Answer: B) They are exposed to more definitions unfavorable to crime.
Explanation: The theory suggests that individuals avoid criminal behavior if they are exposed to more definitions (attitudes, beliefs) that oppose law violation, even in high-crime areas. This outweighs definitions favorable to crime, shaping law-abiding behavior.

15. A criticism of Differential Association Theory is that it:

A) Overemphasizes biological factors
B) Does not explain why some people choose certain associations
C) Focuses too much on economic causes of crime
D) Ignores the role of social learning

Correct Answer: B) Does not explain why some people choose certain associations
Explanation: A common criticism is that the theory does not adequately address why individuals select certain social groups or associations in the first place. It focuses on the learning process but overlooks factors influencing group selection, such as personality or opportunity. The theory explicitly rejects biological factors, does not focus on economic causes, and centers on social learning, making the other options incorrect.